BEST SUMMER 2015 JAMS: THE HELIO SEQUENCE

I'll fully admit to taking The Helio Sequence's presence as a Pacific NW regional band for granted. They play Seattle pretty frequently, and I never go see them. Their consistency as a band is incredible, but somehow, their newest album (self-titled, on Sub Pop) pushes at their atmospheric edges, experimenting with electronic elements but still retaining an organic/human foundation. At times, the record finds The Helio Sequence sounding more relaxed yet more confident than ever. "Battle Lines" marches along stridently while still retaining a breezy, shimmery atmosphere, pining for the promise of a better day (and remaining optimistically hopeful in the process). The entire record is a great summer soundtrack, urgent in all the right places but still wistfully relaxed.